In March this year, within the framework of the research project “Mobile Utility Pole Smart Inspection System” (MUPSIS 2024, Eureka No. 7161), experts from Sadales tīkls together with project partners InPass visited Grimstad, Norway, where a technical solutions meeting was held at the Mechatronics Innovation Lab together with scientists from the research institute NORCE and AERSEA – a provider of aerial services. The meeting brought together all partners from Latvia (SIA “InPass”, AS “Sadales tīkls”) and Norway (NORCE, AERSEA) to continue work on the innovative MUPSIS 2024 project, which is being implemented within the framework of the EUREKA European Partnership Innovative SMEs Eurostars programme.

MUPSIS 2024 is an international innovation project aimed at developing a smart approach to the inspection of wooden utility poles. By combining sensor technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the project is creating a solution that will enable the timely identification of defects and support data-driven decisions regarding infrastructure maintenance.

During the visit, the project partners became acquainted with the sensors and prototypes already developed by NORCE for diagnosing defects in wooden utility poles, as well as analyzed the scientific research carried out by the institute, which forms the methodological and technological foundation of the MUPSIS solution. At the same time, the partners agreed on the next development steps, clarified areas of responsibility, implementation timelines, and technical solutions, including the selection of key system components.

Special attention was devoted to data management principles, system architecture development, and user-oriented solutions, analysing data volumes, processing approaches (real-time processing or post-processing), and cybersecurity aspects. The use of radar sensors and different antenna configurations was also discussed. During discussions on drone integration, AERSEA shared its practical experience in high-voltage power line monitoring in Norway.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work together with international partners on a solution that has not yet been implemented anywhere in Europe. Currently, there are approximately 840,000 wooden utility poles in the Latvian electricity network, and their regular inspection is critically important for network reliability. The MUPSIS 2024 solution offers a data-driven and automated approach to utility pole inspection, reducing the amount of manual work, increasing the possibilities for early defect detection, and thereby improving network resilience,” emphasizes Diāna Gauče, Head of Development at “Sadales tīkls”.

The visit strengthened international cooperation within the project and outlined a clear direction for further project development, promoting the practical implementation of the solution in electricity network infrastructure monitoring. “Sadales tīkls” was represented by Head of Development Diāna Gauče and the project’s Scientific Lead Reinis Cimdiņš. Representing “InPass” at the meeting were Raivis Ekšteins, Board Member and Development Director, and Kaspars Golts, Board Member and Chief Technical Officer. NORCE was represented by Nabil Belbachir, Research Director, Erik Thomassen Hauge, Engineer and Consultant IT, Arnoud Jochemsen, Senior Researcher. Representing AERSEA were Board Member Vera Szabo and Chief Operating Officer Jan Robert Fiksdal.

The project involves SIA “InPass” (system integration and digitalization technology solutions), NORCE (scientific research, sensors, methodology), AERSEA (drone integration expertise), and AS “Sadales tīkls” (practical requirements and operational perspective).

The project, with a total budget of EUR 1.96 million, is co-financed by the Latvian Council of Science and the Research Council of Norway. The implementation period is planned until May 31, 2028. The project has already received high international recognition — among approximately 700 submitted innovation applications, MUPSIS 2024 was recognized as one of the most promising projects. This confirms both the project’s potential and the importance of international cooperation in technology development.

The project MUPSIS2024 is co-financed by the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs.